- The problem
- Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Chrysler Sebring Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 294 complaints about the 1997 Chrysler Sebring with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (42) and the suspension (36). Those complaints describe 45 crashes, 6 fires, 34 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 11 recalls, the latest in April 2009 for the exterior lighting. For comparison, the 1996 has 433 and the 1998 has 267.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Sebring year, for its age
#24 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 294
- Recalls
- 11
- Crashes
- 45
- Fires
- 6
- Injuries
- 34
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 1997 Chrysler Sebring problems
Share of all 294 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1997 Chrysler Sebring recalls 11
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Certain airtex fuel pump module assemblies, p/n e7081h, sold for use as replacement equipment for the vehicles listed above. The wall of the flared fitting of the fuel pump is not thick enough to prevent the mating threaded fittings from bottoming out before an adequate seal is achieved. This condition may result in leakage of fuel at the connection of the vehicle fuel line and the fuel pump module assembly.
- The risk
- In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire.
- The fix
- Airtex will notify owners and replace the fuel pumps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during july 2007. Owners can contact airtex automotive at 800-880-3056.
- The problem
- Certain airtex fuel pump modules, p/nos. E7089m, e7094m, e7113m, and e7129m, manufactured between june 1 and september 24, 2006. These fuel pump modules were sold as aftermarket for use in certain daimlerchrysler vehicles listed above. Silicone material used in manufacture of the flapper valve was out-of-specification, leading to excess swell of the flapper valve restricting the flow of fuel to the fuel pump module.
- The risk
- Fuel restriction could result in loss of power and/or engine stall, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Airtex will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pump modules free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact airtex toll-free at 1-866-867-3759.
- The problem
- Certain tigas fuel pump modules manufactured between june 1 and september 24, 2006, sold under various brand names and p/nos. These fuel pump modules are sold as aftermarket for use in certain daimlerchrysler vehicles listed above. Silicone material used in manufacture of the flapper valve was out-of-specification, leading to excess swell of the flapper valve restricting the flow of fuel to the fuel pump module.
- The risk
- Fuel restriction could result in loss of power and/or engine stall, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Ti automotive will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pump modules free of charge. The recall began on october 6, 2006. Owners may contact ti automotive toll-free at 1-877-461-1834.
- The problem
- Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during july 2006. Owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5L v6 engines, the throttle control cable can fray causing the throttle to bind or stick.
- The risk
- This could potentially result in a loss of throttle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the throttle cable assembly. Owner notification began august 5, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the rubber boots on the lower lateral arm ball joints of the front suspension were damaged during assembly, dirt and water can intrude. Also, mmc has added the potential of leaking moisture, which can cause the ball stud to corrode.
- The risk
- This condition could cause the lower lateral arm ball joint to separate, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. This campaign supercedes mmc's previous safety recall campaign, see 99v-066.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the lower lateral arm ball joint for wear. Ball joints that exhibit wear beyond the established tolerance will be replaced with newly designed lateral arm ball joints. Ball joints that are within the established tolerance will be cleaned and a special sealant will be applied to prevent intrusion of moisture.
- The problem
- This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the convertible top cover is not installed correctly, it can separate unexpectedly from the vehicle while driving.
- The risk
- If the cover separates while driving, it could distract the driver increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Owners will receive an improved convertible top cover instruction label and installation instructions.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The adjustment of the cable connecting the console shifter mechanism to the ignition key can cause a trapped key condition which can result in a low force required to depress the shift button. A combination of applying a mis-adjusted release button with a low force attempt to shift out of park with the key in the locked position, can break the connecting pin in the shifter.
- The risk
- If this happens, the "ignition-park" interlock system will be nonfunctional.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect for proper operation of the system. Any vehicles that are not functional after the inspection will have the shift mechanism and cable replaced with a "self-adjusting" design.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication.
- The risk
- Separation of the ball joint could cause a loss of steering control increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the ball joint end housing cover seal for leakage with a high pressure air tester and the rubber boot will be visually inspected for damage. If the cover seal leaks or the boot is damaged, the lower control arm will be replaced.
- The problem
- The headrest guide bracket was improperly welded to the seat back frame on the passenger side seat back assemblies only.
- The risk
- The headrest support bracket can break, increasing the risk of personal injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the passenger seat back assembly with a new assembly.
What owners say
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294 complaints about the 1997 Chrysler Sebring
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 12.
The contact owns a 1997 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light, he was rear-ended by a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the driver claimed that the brakes had failed on his vehicle and he was unable to stop. The contact stated that he sustained back and neck injuries but did not seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact was informed that the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was a total loss by the other driver's insurance company. The...
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contact stated that both vehicles were towed to collision repair centers. The contact stated that his vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage of both vehicles were unknown.
Fire in right front dash area( passenger side) to the right of the air bag. Broke/melted front window/wiper blade, burned a 12" square hole in the dash. While driving the vehicle the driver smelt something burning--no signs of smoke, the vehicle was driven and parked over night. The damage was noticed the next morning.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chrysler sebring. While attempting to put on the seat belt, the seat belt did not release and fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000. ....Updated 07/05/16 *bf the consumer stated the solenoid was defective. Updated 07/14/16.*Jb
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chrysler sebring. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 10e059000 (suspension). While driving 3 mph, there was a loud abnormal noise emitting from the front of the vehicle. The wheel assembly fractured and the front driver side tire was bent inwards towards the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the upper control arm was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vin was unavailable. The failure mileage was 208,000.
I purchased the 1997 chrysler sebring in november of 2014. I did notice that the passenger air bag is slightly ejected. I have gone to automotive shops and even a chrysler dealership, and both inform me that the airbags for this particular car are no longer made. I need help on how to fix this problem to ensure the safety of my passengers. Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chrysler sebring. The contact stated that the front driver and passenger side seat belts were locked and could not be released. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages was approximately 152,000. The vin was unavailable. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chrysler sebring. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact's vehicle causing it to spin several times. The vehicle was destroyed. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The vin was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was 200,000.
Seat belts would not "pull out". At first it only happened sporadically and for short duration. Problem occurred more often until belts have not worked at all for past 2-3 weeks. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chrysler sebring convertible. The contact stated that the driver side ball joint detached from the socket while the contact was driving. The dealer diagnosed that the lower ball joint need to be replaced. The vehicle was included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number: 09e056000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint), but the manufacturer refused to cover the repairs. The manufacturer proposed that the contact pay 50 percent of the cost of the repairs due to the age of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 115,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chrysler sebring convertible. The contact stated that the driver side seat belt remained stuck in the retracted position and he was unable to use the seatbelt. The dealer informed the contact that there were no recalls and offered no further assistance. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure nor was the vehicle diagnosed or repaired. The current mileage was 111,320 and the approximate failure mileage was 111,300.
I have a 1997 chrysler sebring jxi convertible, that the seatbelt are generally useless. Both the passenger and driver seat belts lock and will not retrack, therefore you are not able to use them. This is a safety hazard especially in a convertible. I live in a state where seatbelts are requires, but when they are locked I can not use them. I have not found where the seatbelts have been recalled, shouldn't there be a lifetime guarantee on seatbelts since they are a safety device? I have owned the car for 3 years now and it is an ongoing situation with the most recent being yesterday. *Tr
I was backing out of a friends driveway in my 1997 chrysler sebring convertible when all of a sudden there was a loud noise and a grinding sound. When I got out to look, it turns out that the front lower ball joint assembly broke in half by the front hub assembly. I then called a tow truck to have my vehicle towed and when the tow company came they informed me this was the 4th chrysler convertible in two months that they have had to tow with the front lower ball joint breaking. I then decided to check for recalls...
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and it turns out there are 2 recalls on this vehicle but when I contacted the loccal chrysler dealership they inform me that there is no recall on my car. How can that be when you list the following recalls 04v021000, 09e056000 and 10e059000 on your website. I am just very thankful that I was not driving at a higher rate of speed when this happened or it could have been serious, like two of the other accidents that happened the tow truck driver shared with me. Two of the other vehicles he towed, the drivers were injured when the ball joint broke and they crashed.
My 1997 sebring convertible oil light came on when I was driving in a heavy rain during rush hour. After stopping at a red light at a major highway intersection, my car died midway through the intersection. My oil pressure sensor wiring is the cause for my fuel pump to cut off as a safety measure for the cars protection but almost cost me my life. After seeing the dealer and looking at online forums, I have found this is common for the 2.7L engine in my car and many other autos made by damlier chrysler. If the 18 wheeler would have not changed lanes I would have died. I am waiting to replace the wiring because this is several hundreds of dollars of work. *Tr
While driving a1997 chrys. Sebring convertible across a bridge over a lake, the left front ball joint broke resulting in loss of control. I almost didn't stop before going in the water. Car blocked the highway and a patrolman stayed with me until wrecker arrived . It did major damage to front fender, plastic bumper brakes and wheel. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chrysler sebring jxi. The contact stated that the odometer and gear lighting indicator failed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the contact was informed that a loose electrical connection caused the odometer and gear light indicator to fail. The vehicle had not been repaired because the contact stated that when she drove over a bump in the road, the odometer worked. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. The current mileage was approximately 40,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chrysler sebring. While driving at unknown speeds, the driver blacked out due to a medical condition. In doing so, he unknowingly depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle proceeded to crash into a building. The vehicle was destroyed. Upon impact, the rear windows were blown out due to the severity of the crash. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed accordingly. The vehicle was towed to the contacts home. The manufacturer stated that an investigator would inspect the vehicle further and upon doing so, found it unusual that the air bags did not deploy due to the severity of front-end damage. The failure and current mileages were 100,000.
Electrical system failure. Computer will no longer "go to sleep" and drains the battery. The car must now be jump started with a portable booser pack that I carry in the car. Dealer claims the computer must be replaced at a cost of $1,000 plus to fix the problem. *Tr
I have a 1997 jeep grand cherokee. It has the "wobble of death", so called due to its violent shaking of the front end. I have searched it online and found many cases of the same. I am aware that the vehicle is over 10 years old, but the manufacture has been well aware of the problem. The "wob" has affected vehicles as old as 1994. I am not sure if there is anything that can be done but I feel like I need to try. *Tr
Tl* - the contact owns a 1997 chrysler sebring. The contact observed that the driver and passenger front automatic shoulder belt retractors were inoperative. The malfunction does not allow the webbing to be extracted. The shoulder and lap belt can not be worn by the occupants in the front driver and passenger seats. The manufacturer was notified of the malfunctions and there was no resolution. The vehicle has not been repaired at this time. The contact was concerned of the safety risk involved. Both the failure and the current mileage were 152,200.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chrysler sebring convertible. The contact stated that the front passenger and driver's side seat belts would not retract. The occupants are insufficiently protected in the event of a crash. The dealer stated that the seat belt timing control module needed to be replaced at the cost of $150. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000 and current mileage was 121,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chrysler sebring convertible. While approaching a stop sign, a police officer informed the driver that the undercarriage of the vehicle was on fire. The driver exited the vehicle just as it became completely engulfed in flames. There were no injuries, but both a police and fire report were filed. The current and failure mileages were 91,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chrysler sebring. The contact stated that the front driver's side lower ball joints failed while pulling out of a parking space. The dealer stated that the ball joints were repaired in 1998 according to nhtsa campaign id number 97v201000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). In addition, the vehicle was previously repaired according to nhtsa campaign id number 00v421002 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) in 2000. The contact did not remember the first recall...
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repair; however, it is in the system as being repaired by the dealer. He believes that the repair was never performed, but was documented as completed in order to get paid by the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Purchased 1997 chrysler sebring convertible. In 1998 the instrument cluster started to fail intermittently. The tachometer, and odometer fade in and out, out mostly. Cant see mileage, so cant sell car. Dealer says cost is about $600 to fix. And is common problem. If its so common, it should be a recall!!! *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chrysler sebring. On three separate occasions within the past year, the seat belts have not worked. The seat belts are currently in a locked position and will not release. The dealer has not been notified. The failure mileage was 43,000.
Electronic odometer and tachometer display work intermittently. Dealer explains that it is common with this car model. Difficult to track service on the vehicle. Also will be difficult to sell with out fix which will be over $500 for instrument cluster and could involve individual gauges which will cost around $380. Chrysler should recall and pay for this. *Tr
Chrysler Sebring: every year compared
All Sebring years1997 Chrysler Sebring vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Chrysler Sebring | 294 | 11 | D | |
| 1997 Chrysler Town & Country | 399 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Chrysler Concorde | 141 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Chrysler LHS | 86 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Chrysler Cirrus | 76 | 8 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Chrysler Lebaron | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1997 Chrysler New Yorker | 2 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 1997 Chrysler Fifth Avenue | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1997 Chrysler Sebring
Does the 1997 Chrysler Sebring have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 1997 Chrysler Sebring: exterior lighting (April 2009); fuel pump (July 2007); fuel pump (November 2006); fuel pump (October 2006) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Chrysler Sebring?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (42), suspension (36), electrical system (36).
How many complaints has the 1997 Chrysler Sebring had?
294 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 3, 1997 and the latest on October 21, 2022. Of these, 45 describe a crash and 6 a fire, and together they report 34 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 1997 Chrysler Sebring a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 25 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Chrysler Sebring year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Chrysler Sebring years have the most complaints?
1996 (433), 2008 (352), 2007 (339). See every Chrysler Sebring year compared.
What should I do if my 1997 Chrysler Sebring has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data